What is this whole situation about? Messi was selected once again to participate in this event, which is scheduled for July 29, just 10 days after a potential World Cup final for Argentina.

The level of tension and stress that comes with playing in the final match of this tournament goes beyond anything else, so the No. 10 could decide not to participate in the All-Star Game in order to take a few days of rest if Argentina reach that stage. However, he would once again risk facing a sanction.

Last season, both Messi and Jordi Alba did not play in the event, and they were each handed a one-match suspension. This year, Argentina‘s captain and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul were the players selected. But of course, Messi would have a better excuse to miss this year’s game than in 2025, so perhaps he doesn’t get punished like last year.

When and where is the All-Star Game?

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will take place on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the third consecutive season and the fifth time in the past six years, the MLS All-Star team will face a LIGA MX best XI in an exciting inter-league showdown.

This year’s edition promises immense star power, featuring world-class figures of the calibre of Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), and eventually Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), making it one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

What’s ahead for Argentina?

Argentina are set for a head-to-head clash against Switzerland, with a place in the upcoming World Cup semifinals at stake. The match will be played at Kansas City Stadium next Saturday, July 11, at 9 PM ET.

Murat Yakin acknowledged that his opponent is not unbeatable, and Switzerland will give everything to pull off the upset. Which of these two teams will ultimately secure a place among the tournament’s final four?

During his recent press conference, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the French Football Federation’s appeal to have Olise’s yellow card rescinded was rejected by FIFA: “There was no change with Olise’s yellow card,” he said.

Deschamps, who called for officiating as impartial as it was in the Argentina–Egypt match, also added: “We received from FIFA a decision this morning [Wednesday] that Olise’s yellow card remains.”

The market value gap between France and Morocco may be significant. However, once the match begins, it is still 11 versus 11, and both teams will leave everything on the field. That said, more than one player will have to be careful if they want to remain in the competition.

The reasons behind the appeal

Michael Olise was booked following an altercation with Matias Galarza Fonda. The Paraguayan player went to the ground and appeared to clutch his face. However, the replay shows that the Frenchman merely grabbed his opponent’s shirt, which is why the FFF decided to file an appeal.

When are yellow cards cleared?

Following FIFA’s updated regulations, yellow cards are wiped out at two points during the 2026 World Cup: first, after the conclusion of the group stage, and then again after the end of the quarterfinals.

Olise must avoid trouble

Michael Olise may be one of the most talented attacking players in world soccer today. The fact that he does not get involved as much in defensive situations (where he could be more exposed to potential bookings) allows him to play with greater freedom.

However, he will have to be very careful to avoid getting involved in confrontations, arguments, or any situations that could lead to receiving a yellow card from the referee. If France manage to reach the semifinals, he will not want to miss that match.

“Pulisic will be important for us, I believe in him,” the new manager said via Fabrizio Romano on X. Which team was Captain America linked with? Rumors suggested that MLS side New York City had set their sights on him.

Pulisic has been a key figure for the Rossoneri in recent years, and now, under this new management, he will once again lead the attack. Amorim, who arrives for this new challenge in Serie A, also wants to retain Luka Modric: “I want Modrić to stay, I spoke to Luka and if needed… I will go get him in person! I want Modrić with us this season.”

Both players had active roles in the World Cup, with Team USA being eliminated in the Round of 16, while The Vatreni were knocked out in the Round of 32. Will Amorim ultimately be able to keep them together at AC Milan for a little longer?

What is Pulisic’s injury status?

The heavy defeat suffered by the USMNT against Belgium, a 4-1 loss, not only resulted in their elimination but also saw Christian Pulisic leave the field with an injury. “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” he revealed.

At the time, manager Mauricio Pochettino decided to sub the player off to avoid worsening the situation. Now, with more time to rest and a good recovery, everything indicates that Pulisic will be available for his club soon.

Pulisic’s numbers at AC Milan

Christian Pulisic officially arrived at AC Milan on July 13, 2023, transferring from Chelsea. Since making his debut with the Rossoneri, the American winger has become a key figure in the squad, completing 100 appearances and scoring 31 goals in Serie A play.

After securing their place in this round by defeating Colombia on penalties and a spot in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals bracket, the experienced coach spoke to the media. While he knows they will face the reigning world champions, he believes there are areas where they can hurt Argentina.

“Yes, we are facing Argentina, the world champions. It’s not exactly a gift to play against them. But we also see, based on their last two matches, that Argentina is vulnerable.”

He also added: “I think we have earned our opponents’ respect. Tactically, it’s going to be an interesting match. We are capable of rattling the world champions. For a nation like Switzerland, playing a quarter-final against Argentina is a massive moment. So, expectations are huge. I think I’ll still need a few hours, maybe even a day, to fully realize what is happening to us.”

Argentina’s weaknesses

Argentina are unbeaten, have won every match, and have scored heavily in almost all of them. However, their last two performances, the ones Yakin referred to, raised more questions than answers in several areas.

Defensively, La Albiceleste have struggled against counterattacks as well as crosses from the wings. In addition, the lack of goals from their center forwards is another area Lionel Scaloni will look to improve.

The head-to-head clash against Switzerland will be a tactical battle, one that could be decided by small details. The question now is how Yakin will manage to overcome the difficult challenge that awaits him, even more with Lionel Messi’s impressive record against European teams in World Cups.

Switzerland’s strengths

Heading into the historic World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, Switzerland will rely heavily on their compact defensive organization, anchored by Manuel Akanji, to deny Lionel Messi the space to exploit between the lines. By remaining low and forcing Argentina wide, Murat Yakin’s side might neutralize the tournament’s top scorer with disciplined double-teaming.

Once possession is recovered, captain Granit Xhaka might act as the detonator in transition, utilizing his superb vision and explosive forward passing to trigger rapid counter-attacks and catch the world champions off guard.

On July 11, Kansas City will be dressed for the occasion to host a crucial match. Which of these two teams will ultimately secure a place among the four best sides in the tournament?

The upcoming clash will put Messi head-to-head with Switzerland once again, a team he helped eliminate at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Netherlands is the nation he has faced the most times, while he holds a losing record against Germany.

Across his six World Cups, the Argentine star has faced 12 European nations, with a record of 8 wins, 5 draws, and 4 defeats. What will ultimately be the fate of one of the greatest players in soccer history at this World Cup?

His World Cup debut

Under coach Jose Pekerman, Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut in Germany 2006. Against Serbia and Montenegro, he came off the bench and scored his first World Cup goal. In the following match, already as a starter, he featured in the 0-0 draw against the Netherlands. Argentina would be eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals, with Messi watching the entire match from the substitutes’ bench.

South Africa 2010

In this edition, despite playing five matches under Diego Maradona as manager, Messi faced only two European opponents. In the group stage, Argentina defeated Greece 2-0, while Germany once again ended his World Cup run in the quarterfinals with a resounding 4-0 victory.

Close to glory

In Brazil 2014, Messi played all seven matches of a World Cup for the first time. Argentina opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and from the knockout stage onward, every opponent they faced was European.

• 1-0 vs Switzerland, Round of 16
• 1-0 vs Belgium, Quarterfinals
• 0-0 (4-2) vs Netherlands, Semifinals
• 0-1 vs Germany, Final

His earliest World Cup exit

Russia 2018 may have marked Messi’s worst World Cup performance. The opening 1-1 draw against Iceland hinted at what was to come. A heavy 3-0 defeat to Croatia followed, while Argentina’s Round of 16 elimination came at the hands of France in an electric match that ended 4-3 in favor of Les Bleus.

Touching the sky

Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar 2022, and several European powerhouses stood in their way throughout the tournament. The 2-0 victory over Poland was the only match against a European opponent during the group stage.

Once again, Argentina secured a penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, this time in the quarterfinals. They then cruised past Croatia with a dominant semifinal win, before the unforgettable historic final against France, which ended 3-3 and was decided by Gonzalo Montiel’s penalty at Lusail.

USA, Mexico & Canada so far

Switzerland will be the second European opponent Messi faces in this edition. In the group stage, with the Argentine once again as the main protagonist, he led his team to a 2-0 victory over Austria at a packed Dallas Stadium.

Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in their history. In fact, the two sides have faced each other twice at the World Cup, with the Swiss losing both encounters—first at the 1966 World Cup in England and then again at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

After advancing through their respective brackets, the two teams will once again face off in this prestigious tournament. The match will be played in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11, at 9:00 p.m. ET, with a sellout crowd expected to pack the stadium.

The most recent World Cup meeting

Argentina finished as runners-up at the 2014 World Cup, led by a sensational Lionel Messi, before falling to Germany in the final. The road to that stage was anything but easy, with Switzerland standing as one of La Albiceleste‘s first obstacles in the knockout rounds.

In a fiercely contested match, Argentina did not break the deadlock until the 118th minute of extra time. A clinical finish from Angel Di Maria finally broke Switzerland‘s resistance, sending his team through to the quarterfinals.

The first World Cup meeting between Argentina and Switzerland

Argentina and Switzerland’s first official World Cup meeting came in 1966. At that tournament in England, the two nations faced off in the group stage, with the South Americans emerging victorious.

The final score was 2-0, thanks to goals from Luis Artime and Ermindo Onega. Argentina finally reached the quarterfinals, with this not being one of their worst eliminations in World Cup history.

How Argentina and Switzerland reached this stage

It seemed as though Argentina’s fate was sealed. Trailing 0-2 with just over 10 minutes remaining, it looked like Egypt had the match under control. However, a crucial goal from Messi leveled the score late on, while Enzo Fernandez scored the final 3-2 winner in the dying moments of the match.

The stands erupted with the fans’ chants, while attention quickly turned to the upcoming match. There, Switzerland had to work harder than expected to take Colombia to a penalty shootout. After a goalless 0-0 draw, Murat Yakin’s team prevailed on penalties, securing the final ticket to the quarterfinals.

“No fair, no fair, referee no fair. Unjust… it is a clear and obvious injustice,” he said to the press once the game concluded. “He is wasting the effort of an entire country. From the very beginning of the match, he was against us. It’s not right to go out like this, losing 2-0 to Argentina. It’s a rigged tournament.”

Additionally, Ziko pointed directly at referee François Letexier: “I apologize to them (Egyptian fans). We wanted to make them happy today. We couldn’t do that, but I swear it wasn’t in our hands. It was in the referee’s hands. The tournament is obviously rigged anyway.”

The interview concluded with an ironic message: “Congratulations. Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup, congratulations. We don’t need anything else from it, that’s it.“

The controversies behind Argentina’s victory over Egypt

Egypt felt aggrieved by the referee’s performance, particularly over a key decision involving a disallowed goal after VAR review. A foul on Lisandro Martinez before Mostafa Ziko’s finish forced referee François Letexier to reverse the decision and rule out the Pharaohs’ goal.

Argentina’s first, scored by Cristian Romero with a header, also appeared to involve controversy. However, the central defender was clearly onside, making the goal completely legitimate.

What’s next for Argentina?

Argentina’s historic comeback sent the Albiceleste back into the quarterfinals. Lionel Scaloni’s team will now face the winner of the match between Colombia and Switzerland.

The next round will be played on Saturday, July 11, at Kansas City Stadium, the same venue where Argentina began their World Cup campaign with a victory.

“I had been waiting for this goal for around three years after Qatar, hoping to experience moments like this. I thank God because I feel privileged. We have a phenomenal group, we are always together. I want to thank the coaching staff and the people who support us,” he said to the press once the game concluded.

“One more step. I have incredible teammates, with unbelievable quality. That winning mentality was on display in the final minute. Four years have passed since Qatar; we came here to enjoy the moment and try to win it all again. We are going after that goal.”

Lionel Messi once again delivered on the biggest stage. The No. 10 scored his eighth goal of the tournament, finding the equalizer to make it 2-2 and paving the way for Argentina’s comeback victory over the Pharaohs, finally eliminating Egypt.

What’s next for Argentina?

Argentina secured their place in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory. Who, when, and where will they play next in the 2026 World Cup?

Now it will be time to take a step back and calmly watch the match between Colombia and Switzerland. The winner of that clash will become Argentina’s next opponent in the quarterfinals, which will be played on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, United States.

His missed penalty early in the match did not discourage the Argentine star. Just as the Pharaohs appeared to be in control with a 2-0 lead, Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header before the No. 10 scored to make it 2-2.

Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a header early in the match, while Mostafa Ziko doubled Egypt’s lead with a clinical counterattack. Atlanta Stadium has turned into a cauldron, with a packed crowd creating an electric atmosphere.

In an unprecedented finale, Argentina completed the comeback. The Albiceleste turned the match around with a counterattack worthy of a movie, as Enzo Fernandez’s header put them ahead.

Messi’s negative record despite Argentina’s victory

The ending was extraordinary. Argentina completed a dramatic comeback in the final moments of the match and, against all expectations, officially secured their place in the quarterfinals. Now, their path toward a potential final has become even shorter.

However, not everything was positive for Argentina in Atlanta. Messi missed his second penalty of the tournament outside of a shootout, becoming the first player in World Cup history to achieve this unwanted record. Despite that, the result is what matters most: Argentina won, and the team can celebrate another step forward in the competition.

Messi’s difficult run from the penalty spot began during the group stage of this tournament. In what was eventually a 2-0 victory over Austria, he missed his first penalty of the competition.

The Argentine star, at 39 years old, remains one of Argentina’s standout players. However, finishing one-on-one against goalkeepers is still an area where he has room for improvement.

Argentina’s future in the tournament depends on whether they win, tie, or lose against the Pharaohs. Despite this negative record, Messi remains the team’s leading scorer with seven goals.

Messi’s penalty record in World Cups

Lionel Messi’s history with penalties during regular match time includes both successful moments and difficult ones. While he has converted on many occasions, there have also been instances where he missed from the spot.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina eventually became champions, the No. 10 also missed a penalty. It came during the group stage against Poland, when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny managed to save his attempt.

Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, who has missed only one penalty in this tournament, Messi has failed to convert on four occasions. Two of those came in this edition, along with his miss against Poland in Qatar and his penalty against Iceland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

La Albiceleste will make four changes compared to the team that narrowly defeated Cape Verde. Lionel Messi, once again wearing the captain’s armband and serving as the main attraction for a massive attendance for Argentina vs. Egypt, will partner with Alvarez in a traditional 4-4-2 formation.

Argentina aim to make their FIFA Ranking supremacy count against Egypt, with their position potentially changing depending on whether they win, tie, or lose. Scaloni is trusting these 11 players to start the match:

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi (C), Julian Alvarez.

Lautaro Martinez’s impact on Argentina

When Lautaro Martinez isn’t in Argentina’s starting eleven, La Albiceleste look like a completely different beast upfront. We are talking about a forward who has already bagged 38 goals in 81 appearances for the national team—including a clinical penalty against Jordan—so not having that kind of firepower is always going to hurt.

The spotlight now turns to Julian Alvarez, who will be backed by thousands of Argentina supporters and their chants from the stands. Can Argentina continue their path toward another World Cup final?

Win to stay alive

Argentina will wear their traditional home kit and look to keep their World Cup campaign alive. With a packed stadium expected, the team knows Egypt sit lower in the FIFA rankings, although those numbers often become irrelevant once the match begins.

Whoever secures the victory will know that the next challenge will be against the winner of Colombia vs. Switzerland in the quarterfinals. The next-round match will be played in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11.

The 1978, 1986, and 2022 editions were the tournaments where La Albiceleste reached the pinnacle of world soccer, a sky that, coincidentally, shares the same color as their flag. This rich history also includes major setbacks, some of them stunning and unexpected.

Regardless of the result, Argentina’s fans will always be there, supporting the team with their chants. Not only during moments of ultimate glory, but also when everything seems to be falling apart along the way.

Argentina’s most painful World Cup eliminations

On three occasions, the Argentina national team failed to make it past the group stage. However, each of those World Cups was played under a very different format and presented unique challenges.

The first came in the 1958 edition, better known as the “Disaster of Sweden.” Argentina suffered the heaviest defeat in its World Cup history during that tournament, falling 6-1 to Czechoslovakia. The team also lost 3-1 to West Germany and only managed a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, which was not enough to advance to the next round.

Four years later, at the 1962 World Cup in Chile, Argentina were unable to change their fortune. The team defeated Bulgaria 1-0, drew 0-0 with Hungary, and suffered a 3-1 loss to England. That final defeat proved to be the decisive blow that ended Argentina’s hopes of advancing.

The most recent example dates back to 2002, specifically the World Cup held in South Korea and Japan. The team coached by Marcelo Bielsa and filled with stars such as Gabriel Batistuta, Ariel Ortega, and Juan Sebastian Veron defeated Nigeria 1-0, lost 1-0 to England, and eventually drew 1-1 with Sweden in the so-called “Group of Death.”

Considering the number of teams involved and the high expectations surrounding the squad, it was arguably one of the toughest blows in Argentina’s history, as the team didn’t even make it past the group stage despite entering the tournament with title aspirations.

Argentina’s 1934 World Cup experience

After finishing as runners-up at the 1930 World Cup, Argentina entered the 1934 tournament amid a conflict between professional and amateur players. That edition began directly with the knockout stage, and La Albiceleste suffered a 3-2 defeat to Sweden, quickly ending their campaign and finishing in ninth place overall.

Argentina at the World Cup

Three World Cup titles, three runner-up finishes, and several memorable campaigns have shaped the history of a national team that is always considered a contender. Here is the complete list of Argentina’s finishes in every World Cup edition:

Lionel Messi finished the match against Cape Verde with a bruise on his forehead, but it won’t stop him from leading Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI. The 39-year-old veteran has scored seven goals so far and will be looking to add to his tally, with a packed crowd expected to support Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.

Egypt, meanwhile, will be looking to pull off the biggest upset of the tournament so far. Mohamed Salah, who has previously said he prefers Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo, has been a key figure in the Pharaohs‘ run to the knockout stage.

What happens if Argentina defeat Egypt?

If Argentina defeat Egypt, they will secure the penultimate spot in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. In the next round, La Albiceleste will face the winner of the later Round of 16 clash between Colombia and Switzerland.

The quarterfinal clash has date, kickoff time, and venue set. The match will be played at Kansas City Stadium, where Argentina opened their campaign with a convincing win over Algeria, on Saturday, July 11 at 9 p.m. ET.

The story will be completely different for the Pharaohs. Although this is already the furthest Egypt have ever gone at a FIFA World Cup, a defeat against the reigning champions would eliminate Egypt.

What happens if Argentina and Egypt tie?

If the score remains tied when referee François Letexier blows the final whistle after the 90 minutes of regular time, the match will continue into extra time. What does this mean? Two additional 15-minute periods will be played.

Since the golden goal rule is no longer in effect, if the match remains tied after 120 minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens if Argentina lose to Egypt?

If Argentina lose to Egypt, they will be eliminated from the tournament and will be unable to claim a second consecutive World Cup title. An exit in the Round of 16 would not be the earliest elimination in Argentina’s history, but it would certainly be a painful one. Egypt, meanwhile, would shift their focus directly to the quarterfinals and closely watch what happens later between Colombia and Switzerland in Vancouver.

Argentina and Egypt’s World Cup journey

Ronaldo had already confirmed that this would be his final World Cup, and the defeat against La Roja brought his tournament journey to an end, although his retirement from professional soccer can still wait. However, despite being eliminated in the Round of 16, it was not his worst World Cup finish ever.

Yamal was praised by CR7 ahead of this match, and now the torch of World Cup greatness has been passed on. The young Spanish gem has a long road ahead of him in this tournament.

Spain, meanwhile, are already looking ahead to what comes next. Luis de la Fuente’s team will face the winner of the United States vs. Belgium matchup on July 10 at 3:00 PM ET at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.

What’s next for Spain?

The stoppage-time victory over Portugal further shortened Spain’s path toward a potential World Cup final. However, Luis de la Fuente’s side now faces a tough quarterfinal challenge against either Belgium or the United States.

And what lies ahead if Spain reach the semifinals? Two heavyweight opponents that La Roja know well: on one side, Kylian Mbappe and France, a team that is always among the title contenders. On the other, Achraf Hakimi and Morocco, who are looking to once again establish themselves as serious contenders for the trophy.

The end of an era for CR7

Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Guillermo Ochoa and Lionel Messi, are the only players in history to have appeared in six World Cups. Ronaldo has scored 11 total goals across 26 World Cup matches, including three in this edition.

Unfortunately, his dream of lifting the World Cup trophy remained out of reach. Alongside his national team, he only managed to win the European Championship in 2016, when the tournament was held in France.

Sky Sports reported that the FA is seeking a review of the defender’s case, after he was sent off just minutes into the second half at Estadio Azteca. At the VAR’s recommendation, a challenge involving an alleged studs-up tackle resulted in a red card.

Balogun’s case, which even involved a call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, could set a precedent in World Cup history. The Three Lions, meanwhile, are hoping to have Quansah available for the quarterfinals.

What happened with Balogun?

In his most recent match for the USMNT, Folarin Balogun was sent off after a heavy challenge on his Bosnia & Herzegovina opponent. FIFA decided to overturn the ruling, a move that sparked significant discontent, including from Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia.

UEFA was one of the bodies that supported the Belgian Football Association’s appeal, as did Switzerland through a statement. However, many others also expressed support for the No. 20.

Among them, Mauricio Pochettino celebrated the decision to overturn the ruling, describing it as unjust. Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, also came to his teammate’s defense, who will now be available for the next match.

What’s next for England?

England’s path to a potential final has now been shortened after eliminating Mexico from the World Cup with a narrow 3–2 win. Thomas Tuchel’s side knows it will face a tough challenge in the quarterfinals.

England and Norway are set to face off in a closely contested match, with a place in the semifinals on the line. The game will be played on July 11 at 5:00 PM ET in Miami Gardens at Miami Stadium.

The winner will know they could face one of four strong opponents in the semifinals: Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, or Switzerland. That match would be played on July 15 in Atlanta.

Potential Quansah replacement

If Jarell Quansah’s automatic match suspension is not successfully overturned following his red card, England’s coaching staff will likely turn to defenders Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, or Ezri Konsa to anchor the backline against Norway.

“The decision in the Balogun case is incomprehensible to the Swiss Football Association (SFA), regardless of how it came about. Until now, the principle has been clear: any player sent off is automatically suspended for the next match. This rule applied equally to everyone and provided clarity and consistency,” the Swiss Football Association’s statement begins.

The release also raises questions about the credibility of the officiating in the tournament: “This decision raises questions and creates uncertainty, particularly regarding the authority of referees’ decisions, especially when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is involved. The credibility of the competition depends on clear rules that are applied consistently.”

The controversy grew so much in the court of public opinion that Donald Trump revealed he had spoken directly with Gianni Infantino. The FIFA president confirmed the call but denied that it had any influence on the final decision to review the case.

The soccer world reacts

Once the news emerged that Balogun’s suspension had been overturned, reactions from across the soccer world quickly followed. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino celebrated the decision, arguing that the suspension had been unfair. As a result, he will have his striker available for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Another prominent figure to weigh in was England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who even questioned how far this type of decision-making could go in soccer. Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, strongly defended FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension.

What will happen with Balogun?

USMNT face a tough challenge against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, and their future in the tournament will depend on whether they win, tie, or lose. The good news for the team is that Folarin Balogun is expected to be available for this crucial match.

Having Balogun available will be crucial for Pochettino. The striker has scored three goals so far in the tournament and remains one of the team’s most dangerous attacking weapons. The winner of this clash will face the winner of Spain vs. Portugal on July 10 at 3 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Switzerland, meanwhile, are on the other side of the bracket. They will first face Colombia in Vancouver on Tuesday, July 7, and in the potential quarterfinals they would meet the winner of the match between Argentina and Egypt on Saturday, July 11 in Kansas City.

The forward has been a regular impact player for this team, coming off the bench in second halves. In fact, in the match against Croatia, he provided an assist to Goncalo Ramos for the goal that secured his team’s qualification to this stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who confirmed this will be his final World Cup, will once again lead the team as captain, which will also feature Joao Felix and Pedro Neto in attack. Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, will also start from the bench.

These are the 11 players who will wear the traditional red kit for Portugal from the start: Diogo Costa; Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha; Cristiano Ronaldo (C), Joao Felix, Pedro Neto.

Rafael Leao’s numbers for Portugal

Since his senior debut in October 2021, Rafael Leao has become an important attacking asset for the Portugal national team, earning 48 caps and scoring 6 goals across all international competitions.

A place in the Quarterfinals

It won’t be the same for Portugal whether they win, draw, or lose against Spain. A victory would secure a place in the next round, where they would face the winner of the USA vs. Belgium matchup. The main goal? Go the furthest possible in this tournament.

This potential matchup shortens their path toward a possible final. It would be played on July 10 at 3 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

How each team reached this stage

Portugal, ranked seventh in the FIFA standings, reached the Round of 16 after eliminating Croatia 2-1 with a late winner. Spain, meanwhile, defeated Austria 3-0, showing the kind of dominance expected from a title contender.

Although Portugal sit in seventh place in the rankings, that position could change depending on whether they win, draw, or lose. This matchup is considered by many to be a European classic.

Spain sit third in the rankings, behind France and Argentina, and are dreaming of winning their second World Cup. Lamine Yamal, the young star also praised by CR7, is looking to lead his team as far as possible in the tournament.

Portugal and Spain FIFA Ranking points

Spain hold a slight edge in the FIFA rankings, with both teams regularly featuring in the top 10 in recent times. Portugal, currently behind Morocco, have a total of 1,787.85 points. The Iberians, meanwhile, complete the podium with 1,892.28 points.

Portugal are aiming to reach the quarterfinals

Cristiano Ronaldo has shown great respect for Spain, but he also knows his team won’t be a mere underdog. Portugal want to reach the quarterfinal stage once again, moving one step closer to their first-ever World Cup title.

Although Ronaldo was downplayed by players such as Unai Simon ahead of this match, the veteran is determined to keep making history. He has scored three goals so far in what is his sixth World Cup, and will look to close the gap on Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe, who are all on seven goals.

More on this major clash between Portugal and Spain

Veteran referee Anthony Taylor will be in charge of officiating Portugal vs. Spain. The winner will face the victor of the USA vs. Belgium matchup on July 10 at 3 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Due to the similarity between their home kits, Spain will wear their alternate uniform. Portugal will play in their traditional red kit, while Luis de la Fuente’s team will be dressed entirely in white.

“Yeah, I did. I spoke to Gianni,” Trump started during a press conference. “That wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed who happened to crash into each other. You can’t properly place your foot on somebody else’s foot when you’re going full speed. No, these were two great athletes who got tangled up.”

The President of the United States also directed criticism at referee Raphael Claus, questioning the decision to send off one of his team’s key players. “And this referee, who is a little bit suspect—if you check his past. . . He (Balogun) didn’t do anything wrong, and he’s our best player, or one of our best players—a very vital player—and they gave him a red card.“

Will Folarin Balogun play vs. Belgium?

Following the news of the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, one of those who celebrated the decision was Mauricio Pochettino, who will now be able to count on the forward for the match against Belgium.

Although there has been no official confirmation of the starting XI the manager will field at Seattle Stadium, the top scorer—who currently has three goals—will likely start the match for the USMNT.

Belgium’s complaint over decision

Folarin Balogun was sent off during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina, so he was expected to serve a one-match suspension, which was supposed to be served in the Round of 16.

After reviewing the situation, FIFA decided to overturn the suspension, something that manager Rudi Garcia described as a joke. “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools,” he said to the press. “We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending football.”

The Belgian federation also expressed its concern regarding the situation, arguing that governing officials intentionally intervened in the disciplinary process while failing to provide adequate legal justification.

Of course, the situation for Cristiano Ronaldo’s team could change depending on whether it wins, ties, or loses against La Roja. Portugal currently sit 7th ahead of this match, having dropped two places.

Veteran referee Anthony Taylor will be in charge of officiating what is expected to be a packed Dallas Stadium filled with fans. Which of these two teams will ultimately continue their World Cup campaign?

How many points do Spain and Portugal have in the ranking?

France’s recent victory over Paraguay moved Les Bleus into first place, pushing Spain down the rankings. Luis de la Fuente’s team currently has a total of 1,892.28 points, behind Argentina.

Cristiano Ronaldo knows they will be facing an elite opponent, and he has shown respect toward them. Portugal, another major European contender, sit inside the top 10 of the rankings with 1,787.85 points, just behind Morocco.

Star-studded showdown

Cristiano Ronaldo on one side, Lamine Yamal on the other. CR7, ahead of this important match, acknowledged that the Barcelona star is the future of soccer, setting up a major showdown between the two in Dallas.

The Portuguese forward, however, holds a slight edge over his counterpart in this World Cup: Ronaldo has scored 3 goals and is not only looking to stay in the tournament but also to close the gap on the top scorers (Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe lead with 7).

At the moment for Spain, the standout in these statistics is Mikel Oyarzabal. The forward has scored four goals and has emerged as his team’s main attacking threat on the pitch.

It certainly won’t be an easy task. Spain sit third in the FIFA World Ranking heading into this match, although those rankings often become irrelevant once the ball starts rolling.

Portugal will be aiming to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for just the fourth time in their history. From there, the focus will shift to whether they can continue their run and make an even further push in the tournament. Portugal will use their home kit, whereas Spain will wear their away uniform.

What happens if Portugal defeat Spain?

If Portugal defeat Spain, they will book a place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the matchup between the United States and Belgium. The quarterfinal showdown is scheduled for Friday, July 10, at 3:00 PM (ET) at Los Angeles Stadium. Meanwhile, a Portugal win eliminates Spain from the World Cup.

What happens if Portugal and Spain tie?

If Portugal and Spain are level after 90 minutes, the match will go to extra time. Two 15-minute periods will be played, and with the golden goal rule no longer in effect, if the teams remain tied after extra time, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens if Portugal lose to Spain today?

Losing to Spain eliminates Portugal from the 2026 World Cup and clears Spain’s path to a potential final. Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, will advance to the quarterfinals to play USA or Belgium on July 10 in Los Angeles for a semifinal berth.

It would be a tough ending for Cristiano Ronaldo, who confirmed this is his last World Cup. But while that is logical since the next World Cup is four years away, the question many are making is whether Ronaldo is retiring from Portugal after this World Cup.

The Scandinavian side will have a few days of rest ahead of its next match. It will be played on Saturday 6:00PM ET, July 11, at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. What happens between Mexico and England will determine Norway’s next opponent.

Despite conceding a penalty (saved by the goalkeeper), which was not taken by Vinicius Jr., Norway managed to withstand Brazil’s pressure and sealed the match late on. In the final play of the match, Neymar Jr. scored a late consolation goal to make it 2–1. Even so, Neymar was seen crying after the final whistle.

Haaland moves up the top scorers’ table

With a devastating impact at the 2026 World Cup, Erling Haaland cemented his elite status by scoring a crucial brace against Brazil in the round of 16. With these two new goals, Norway’s clinical striker reached an impressive total of 7 goals in the tournament, matching Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, who also sit at 7 goals.

Norway’s dream run

Norway’s historic journey to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals began in Group I, where they secured second place after defeating Iraq 4–1 and edging out Senegal 3–2, before suffering a 1–4 loss to France. In the knockout stages, the Vikings continued their impressive run by defeating the Ivory Coast 2–1 in the Round of 32, followed by the aforementioned monumental victory over powerhouse Brazil.

A heated finish

Tensions rose in the closing stages of the match. Neymar Jr., who appears set to continue his professional career and not retiring, was among those booked after a hard challenge on Martin Odegaard. In the end, the minor scuffles did not escalate further.

The outcome will not be the same for El Tri whether they win, tie, or lose this match. That said, they will have strong support from the crowd, as the venue holds around 87,000 spectators, with most expected to be Mexican fans. Therefore, today’s attendance for Mexico vs. England is expected to be huge.

A key factor that could influence the game for the Three Lions is the stadium’s altitude. Located at 7,350 feet above sea level, it could play a significant role in how England approach and perform in the match.

Mexico are seeking their first title, while England are aiming for their second

England already know what it means to win a World Cup, having done so in 1966 on home soil. If they manage to advance to the quarterfinals, it will be just three steps away from adding a second star to their history.

The situation for El Tri is quite different. The furthest Mexico have gone at the World Cup is the quarterfinals, achieved on two occasions: 1970 and 1986. Can Javier Aguirre’s side break through that barrier?

An intriguing head-to-head clash

Mexico and England already know what it means to face each other at a World Cup. It was in the 1966 edition, when the Three Lions defeated the Aztecs 2–0 through goals from Bobby Charlton and Roger Hunt. Eventually, England secured the title on home soil.

“I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools,” the manager said to the press. “We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending football.”

Balogun had been sent off during the USA’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after VAR review following a challenge on an opponent. After an exhaustive review, the striker will ultimately be available for Mauricio Pochettino in the Round of 16.

Belgium were astonished by FIFA after reversing Balogun’s one-game suspension. The AS Monaco striker has scored three goals in the World Cup so far, making his impact on the team crucial. Now, this Round of 16 clash is heating up well before it even begins.

Belgium’s measured protest

Belgium and Garcia made it clear that they’re completely upset with FIFA’s decision, suggesting that the World Cup game is being affected by a controversial situation.

Due to FIFA regulations, the USA was not allowed to appeal this decision. As a result, the decision to overturn the player’s sending-off was entirely made by soccer’s governing body.

Even so, Garcia also let everyone know that Belgium will focus on getting the job done: “Anyway, I’m the coach, so I’m going to focus on my team and the match — it doesn’t matter who makes up the USA’s starting lineup. What matters to me is the pitch, my team, winning, and reaching the quarterfinals.”

USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino then responded to Garcia, celebrating FIFA’s decision as he believed Balogun’s suspension was unfair.

“As you know very well, I have a very special affection for Spain. My family is almost Spanish,” he said during the press conference. “Look, Spain are always candidates to win any tournament, whether it’s the World Cup, the European Championship, or any other competition.”

Although Ronaldo made it clear to reporters that Spain’s status as a former champion may give them a slight edge, he believes Portugal have enough tools to win and ultimately expects his team to come out on top.

“In the end, whoever manages to take advantage of the small details in the match will be the winner,” he added. “And I hope that team will be Portugal. That’s my feeling, and I believe we will win.”

The clash between Spain and Portugal is heating up

Players of the caliber of CR7 and Lamine Yamal will be on the pitch in a high-profile showdown. In the buildup, and in an effort to add even more spice to the occasion, goalkeeper Unai Simon downplayed Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The Cristiano we have in the World Cup is not the same as six or seven years ago, at Real Madrid or in that prime,” he said to the press. Provoking this type of players is rarely a good sign. Ronaldo, whose future is still uncertain, will be looking to score his fourth goal of the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tenure at Real Madrid cemented his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, transforming the club into an absolute European powerhouse. During his legendary nine-season run from 2009 to 2018, he maintained a staggering, greater than goal-per-game ratio, shattering records to become the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in just 438 appearances.

Ronaldo’s lethal attacking dominance propelled Los Blancos to 15 major trophies, highlighted by an astonishing 4 UEFA Champions League titles (including three consecutive wins from 2016 to 2018), 2 La Liga titles, and 2 Copas del Rey, forever redefining the modern standard of clinical excellence in Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti, who is also without Raphinha in attack from the start, opts to partner Vinicius Jr. with Rayan and Matheus Cunha, who has been in outstanding form. These are the starting XI the manager has selected for the match:

Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos (C), Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Jr., Rayan, Matheus Cunha.

The stakes could not be higher: for Brazil, a win, draw, or loss would each lead to a very different outcome. The five-time world champion is determined to continue its pursuit of another World Cup title, but the Vikings are expected to provide a stern challenge, backed by their strong FIFA ranking.

Neymar’s impact on Brazil

Neymar has been the undeniable cornerstone of Brazil’s attack for over a decade, injecting unparalleled creativity, flair, and unpredictability into the national team’s frontline. As a dynamic playmaker and clinical finisher, he completely transformed the Selecao‘s offensive identity by carrying the tactical burden and consistently delivering in high-stakes moments.

His immense impact is perfectly cemented in the history books, where he stands as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 79 goals in 129 international appearances.

All or nothing for Brazil

American referee Ismail Elfath will be in charge of officiating a match of major importance for both teams. While Brazil enter the contest with the advantage of a higher FIFA ranking, Norway are determined to pull off an upset and secure a place in the next stage.

The winner of the match will face the winner of the Mexico vs. England showdown in the quarterfinals. That match is scheduled to be played later at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

France 1938 marked the first time the Vikings participated in the tournament. Of course, at that time, the format was completely different: the World Cup began directly with a knockout stage. Norway lost 2–1 in extra time to Italy, and their run ended sooner as expected.

In 1994, also in the United States, the Scandinavian side did not fare much better. In the group stage, all teams finished level on points, and its fate was not on its side, as it was eliminated on goal difference.

In 1998, once again in France, the Vikings‘ journey ended just short of the quarterfinals. After a strong group stage in which they even defeated Brazil, Norway once again ran into Italy in the round of 16, where they were beaten 1–0.

Who is Norway’s all-time top scorer?

Erling Haaland holds the prestigious crown as the all-time top scorer for the Norway national team, boasting an astonishing 62 goals in just 54 appearances. A generational talent renowned for his incredible athleticism, clinical positioning, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal, the prolific striker surpassed the legendary, decades-old record previously held by Jørgen Juve since the 1930s.

Averaging more than a goal per game, Haaland’s historic goalscoring exploits continue to elevate Norwegian soccer onto the global stage.

Norway’s most famous victories

Norway’s most resonant and celebrated victory in World Cup history came at France 1998 with their historic 2–1 triumph over powerhouse Brazil. In a dramatic group-stage finale, they pulled off a stunning late comeback, secured by a legendary Kjetil Rekdal penalty in the dying minutes, to defeat the reigning world champions and seal a memorable qualification to the knockout stages.

In 2026, history repeated itself as Norway handed Brazil one of their toughest eliminations with a brace from Erling Haaland to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history.

The latest injury update on the winger revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh, which is why he will wear the Selecao uniform, but starting from the bench. Carlo Ancelotti will start the game with Vinicius Jr, Rayan, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha. Neymar Jr., fully recovered, will also start from the bench.

Brazil’s future in the competition will depend on whether they win, tie, or lose against the Vikings, who are looking to pull off an upset. Who will ultimately secure a place in the quarterfinals?

Brazil will be looking to settle the game within 90 minutes

The hot afternoon expected in New York could play a key role in the flow of the match. Taking the game into extra time could leave players significantly fatigued, especially considering that there is no golden goal rule.

Brazil come into this match after narrowly eliminating Japan in a hard-fought contest. It was only in one of the final plays of the game that they managed to secure the win, something they will now try to replicate against Norway.

Quarterfinals in sight

Erling Haaland and his teammates can never be underestimated. Still, Brazil will do everything possible to win the match and then start focusing on what comes next.

The next stage could pit the Selecao against the winner of the match between Mexico and England, who will face each other later at Estadio Azteca.

This time of year typically brings high temperatures as well as heavy humidity in this part of the United States. This combination can also lead to storm development, including thunderstorm activity and lightning.

According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the game between two major contenders calls for 83-degree temperatures with a chance of scattered thunderstorms. The ROWI (Risk of Weather Impact) is high, meaning this could be a match with several unpredictable variables.

What happens if a thunderstorm hits a World Cup match?

Lightning activity is something authorities take very seriously, which is why specific protocols have been established in case it occurs during a match. According to regional public safety guidelines— which FIFA must comply with— a World Cup match must be suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an 8-mile (approximately 13-kilometer) radius of the stadium.

Weather could be a key factor

At this stage of the World Cup, several matches have already been decided in extra time and even by penalty shootouts. Heat and humidity in longer games can affect the performance level of both Brazil and Norway, so both teams will need to be prepared for these conditions.

One positive development for Carlo Ancelotti could be the squad rotation. Neymar Jr. starts on the bench, giving Brazil a valuable option if needed during the match. Raphinha could also see minutes if called upon.

Brazil and Norway battle for Quarterfinal spot

Ismail Elfath of the United States will be in charge of officiating a key match in this tournament. Both Brazil and Norway are aiming to reach the quarterfinals, where they would face the winner of the Mexico vs. England matchup.

The South American team knows it will be up against a top-tier Viking side. The challenge becomes even greater with players like Lucas Paqueta not playing. On the other hand, players such as Neymar Jr. and Raphinha will start from the bench.

American referee Ismail Elfath will take charge of a match in which the scorching temperatures are expected to be one of the biggest talking points. Can Brazil overcome Norway and book their place in the quarterfinals?

What happens if Brazil defeat Norway?

If Brazil defeat Norway, they will secure a place in the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Mexico vs. England clash on Saturday, July 11, at 5:00 p.m. ET at Miami Stadium. If they fail to do so, Norway will be the team advancing to the last eight.

What happens if Brazil and Norway tie?

If Brazil and Norway are level after the 90 minutes of regulation, the match will go to extra time. Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves, and since there is no golden goal, if the teams are still tied after 30 additional minutes, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens if Brazil lose to Norway?

If Brazil lose to Norway, they will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, along with their dream of winning a sixth World Cup title. In that scenario, Norway will advance to the quarterfinals against England or Mexico.

It wouldn’t be the worst finish in Brazil history, but it would be a disappointing ending to their campaign.

The Pharaohs prevailed over Australia in a penalty shootout and later learned they will face La Albiceleste in the next round. After the match, Salah was approached by the media, and the question focused on who he would choose for a “last dance.”

Without hesitation, and with a smile on his face, his only answer was decisive: “Messi.” Although they are unlikely to ever play together, Atlanta Stadium will see them go head-to-head next Tuesday to determine which of the two continues in the World Cup.

Last dance for the game’s biggest stars at this World Cup

Mohamed Salah is part of an elite group of stars likely playing their final matches for their national teams. Luka Modric has already bid farewell, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored several goals, while Neymar featured only briefly during the group stage.

However, the player still making headlines despite being 39 years old is Argentina’s number 10. Messi, who scored his seventh goal of the tournament against Cape Verde, remains one of the main figures of the competition and is aiming to secure back-to-back titles alongside his teammates.

What’s next for Salah and Messi?

Argentina’s path to a potential final has narrowed following their dramatic qualification for the Round of 16. They will now face Egypt on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. ET. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to meet the victor of the Colombia vs. Switzerland matchup.

“What a privilege our fans have to follow a team like this that goes after the game like this and doesn’t play defensive and shows they can be better. I’d rather be us than them. As good as Morocco are, I’d rather be us. I couldn’t be HAPPIER!” he said to the press once the game concluded. The manager praised his players’ effort and sacrifice and thanked Canada for the tournament they had delivered.

This marks the furthest Canada have ever advanced at a FIFA World Cup. Despite the disappointment of the defeat, the Canucks have every reason to look ahead to a promising future and begin aiming for a breakthrough in upcoming tournaments.

Davies ultimately didn’t feature for Canada

The match required attacking firepower from Canada, which needed a way to level the game against Morocco. Alphonso Davies did not start the match, nor did he feature off the bench, despite many expecting him to see minutes on the pitch.

A serious injury sustained prior to the start of the World Cup caused him to miss much of the tournament, although Marsch’s decision not to bring him on when a goal was needed came as a surprise. The talented player ultimately watched his team’s elimination from the sidelines.

What’s next for Morocco?

The path to a potential World Cup final has narrowed for Morocco after securing a place in the quarterfinals. The Atlas Lions will now face the winner of France vs. Paraguay on July 9 in Boston.

Despite the early injury to Ismael Saibari, the African side still has plenty of options to push for a major breakthrough and go as further as possible in its history in this prestigious tournament.

This intriguing match will be the first 2026 World Cup quarterfinal to be played. It is scheduled to take place at Boston Stadium, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. ET.

The furthest Morocco have ever advanced at a FIFA World Cup are the semifinals, achieved at Qatar 2022. They were defeated by France in the last four before falling to Croatia in the third-place match, finishing in a historic fourth place.

Morocco’s path to a potential World Cup final

Difficult? Absolutely. Impossible? Not at all. Morocco dream of making a historic run and reaching the World Cup final for the first time in the nation’s history.

If Morocco reach the semifinals, four formidable opponents could stand in their way, including one former World Cup champion. Spain, Portugal, the United States, or Belgium are all potential opponents on the road to the final.

Looking ahead to a potential final, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side could face one of the following opponents: Brazil, Norway, Mexico, England, Argentina, Egypt, Colombia or Switzerland.

Morocco’s road to the Quarterfinals

In the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Morocco delivered a standout, undefeated performance to finish second in Group C with seven points, right behind Brazil on goal difference. The Atlas Lions kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brazil, followed by a disciplined 1-0 victory over Scotland.

They wrapped up the initial phase in style with an exciting 4-2 win against Haiti, showcasing their offensive prowess and securing a smooth transition into the knockout stages.

In the Round of 32, Morocco advanced via a penalty shootout win over the Netherlands. Now, Azzedine Ounahi was the hero in Houston, scoring a brace, along with a last-minute goal from Rahimi that sealed Canada’s elimination.

The life story of the Guarani goalkeeper resonates with soccer fans everywhere. Reaching his current level was not easy, and without the support of his family and friends, the journey would likely have been even more difficult.

Gill built his career from the ground up in his hometown of San Lorenzo. Established in the Argentine league, Paraguay’s number 12 has emerged as one of the standout players between the posts at the 2026 World Cup.

From selling his jersey to ultimate glory

The birth of his son Lautaro marked a turning point in Orlando Gill’s life. He arrived while the goalkeeper was taking his first steps in his club’s reserve team, at a time when money was not in abundance.

Some health issues involving the child created additional expenses that the family struggled to cover. As a result, Gill decided to sell part of his equipment, including his jersey and even his gloves.

“After Lauti was born, we had nothing, and Orlando sold the items from the club he was playing for at the time in order to cover expenses. Our son fought for his life, and his father was always there. He sold everything—he even sold his U-20 national team jersey (he couldn’t keep it as a keepsake), his gear, his shoes. He literally sold EVERYTHING,” his wife revealed on Instagram after the goalkeeper’s debut against the USA.

Gill, from San Lorenzo to San Lorenzo

Orlando Gill’s journey from San Lorenzo de Asuncion to San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina reflects a remarkable and unexpected evolution in a short span of time. Even Gill himself could not have anticipated such rapid development in his career.

Early on, between 2012 and 2013, he did not always play as a goalkeeper, having featured as a central midfielder before eventually settling into his role between the posts. In early 2024, he made the move from Paraguay’s San Lorenzo to its Argentine namesake, where he spent a full year in the reserve team.

His strong performances in a side that finished runner-up under head coach Damian Ayude earned him a first-team debut in the final match of the year, before establishing himself as a starter in 2025.

The international referee will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Andrey Tsapenko and Timur Gaynullin, while the fourth official will be Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim. Taleb Al Marri, also from Qatar, will serve as the reserve assistant referee.

The match, set to be played at Philadelphia Stadium under an intense weather with a 5:00 PM ET kickoff, will have Chile’s Juan Lara in charge of VAR duties, with Italy’s Marco Di Bello serving as AVAR.

Tantashev’s record ahead of Paraguay vs. France

Ilgiz Tantashev has made his presence felt this tournament, officiating two highly competitive and contrasting matches. He first took charge of Morocco’s tight 1-0 victory over Scotland, where he masterfully controlled a tense, tactical battle.

Tantashev was then right at the center of the action for one of the most thrilling games of the tournament: a spectacular 3-3 draw between Austria and Algeria, demonstrating his ability to manage high-stakes, fast-paced international soccer on the world stage.

Paraguay and France aim for Quarterfinal spot

France know they are considered a favorite, but everything will depend on whether they win, tie, or lose against Paraguay. The South American team, with Orlando Gill as one of its standout performers, is looking to pull off another upset after eliminating Germany in the Round of 32.

The winner of this clash will face Morocco after the African side defeated Canada in the other matchup of the Round of 16 bracket. That quarterfinal match will be played in Boston on Thursday, July 9.

Heading into the match at Houston Stadium, Canada sit 30th in the FIFA World Ranking. That position has not changed since their previous outing, with Jesse Marsch’s side holding 1,571.34 points.

The situation for the Atlas Lions is quite different. Morocco currently sit 6th in the FIFA World Ranking, making them one of the highest-ranked teams remaining in the knockout stage of the tournament.

All or nothing for Canada

At this stage, there are no second chances, and Canada are well aware of that. The match, officiated by English referee Michael Oliver, represents a major opportunity for the host nation to continue its steady progress at the World Cup.

This team, who will be without Alphonso Davies in the starting lineup, knows it is facing a historic opportunity to set a milestone: Canada have never reached the quarterfinal stage, having been eliminated in the group stage in both of their previous appearances (Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022).

Canada’s previous stages

In the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosts Canada secured their spot in the knockout rounds by finishing second in Group B with four points. After opening with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Canucks made history by claiming their first-ever World Cup victory in an emphatic 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, before concluding the phase with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Switzerland.

Advancing to the Round of 32, Canada kept their historic momentum alive with a gritty 1-0 victory over South Africa, courtesy of a 90th-minute winner by Stephen Eustaquio, booking their ticket to the Round of 16.

With 1,788.86 points, the Atlas Lions currently sit sixth in the FIFA World Ranking, just behind fifth-placed Brazil. After advancing to this stage of the tournament, they climbed one spot in the standings.

Canada‘s situation, who also will be without Alphonso Davies in the starting lineup, is quite different from that of their opponents, although this could change depending on whether they win, tie, or lose. One of the remaining CONCACAF representatives still alive in the tournament, they currently sit 30th in the standings, having remained in the same position as in the previous round.

Morocco and Canada meet again

Morocco, this time wearing their white uniform, and Canada are set to face each other once again in a matchup heavy with a sense of revenge. Their last encounter dates back to the Qatar 2022 group stage, where the Atlas Lions secured a 2-1 victory in Group F—a pivotal result that propelled the African side toward its historic semifinal run while leaving the North Americans empty-handed.

Now, with more mature squads and evolved dynamics, Jesse Marsch’s team will look to rewrite the recent narrative, while Morocco aim to assert their dominance once more in a clash that promises high intensity.

Morocco eye another deep World Cup run

Veteran English referee Michael Oliver will be in charge of the Round of 16 clash, with one team securing a place in the quarterfinals while the other heads home. Morocco, one of the tournament’s toughest contenders, are aiming to match—or even surpass—their remarkable run from the last World Cup

There, the African side came within one win of reaching its first-ever World Cup final. However, Kylian Mbappe’s France proved too strong, defeating the Atlas Lions 2-0 in the semifinals. Morocco ultimately finished fourth after losing the third-place playoff.

Before the start of this tournament, both Messi and Maradona were tied at the top of this ranking with eight assists. The current captain of La Albiceleste now has nine, adding another record to his remarkable career.

Who completes this important podium? German forward Pierre Littbarski and Polish player Grzegorz Lato, both from different eras, each with seven assists.

Messi’s World Cup assists

Lionel Messi’s nine World Cup assists are spread across the six tournaments he has played while representing the Argentina national team:

• Germany 2006: to Hernan Crespo (6-0 vs Serbia & Montenegro)
• South Africa 2010: to Carlos Tevez (3-1 vs Mexico)
• Brazil 2014: to Angel Di Maria (1-0 vs Switzerland)
• Russia 2018: to Gabriel Mercado and Sergio Aguero (3-4 vs France)
• Qatar 2022: to Enzo Fernandez (2-0 vs Mexico)
• Qatar 2022: to Nahuel Molina (2-2 vs Netherlands)
• Qatar 2022: to Julian Alvarez (3-0 vs Croatia)
• USA, Mexico & Canada 2026: to Cristian Romero (3-2 vs Cape Verde)

Messi’s record looks safe

Lionel Messi has become the all-time assist leader in World Cup history, and that record looks safe in 2026. Croatia international Ivan Perisic was trailing with six assists, but Croatia got eliminated by Portugal in the Round of 16.

It was only a matter of time before the opening goal arrived at Miami Stadium. The team led by Lionel Scaloni pressed forward relentlessly until the magic of the No. 10 finally appeared.

Once again, Messi sits at the top of the FIFA World Cup scoring chart. The Argentine star leads with seven goals, followed by Kylian Mbappe with six, while Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are both on five.

Argentina fans have packed the stadium, with their chants echoing nonstop since kickoff. The reigning world champions are looking to continue their steady progress in the tournament.

Messi’s previous goals

Lionel Messi’s goal in the Round of 32 further enhances the Argentine No. 10’s impact in the tournament so far. His three group-stage opponents were also among his victims.

Messi targets new record

Only one Argentine player in World Cup history has scored eight goals in a single tournament. Guillermo Stabile achieved the feat at the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay, and Messi is now just one goal away from equaling that record.

The 2026 edition of the tournament is no exception, with Argentina’s supporters once again making their presence felt through their jerseys, flags, and chants. A new song for this World Cup has become popular, calling on the team to fight for its fourth title.

The creativity behind this new hit features Lionel Messi as a central figure, as well as the iconic Diego Armando Maradona and his ill-fated appearance at the 1994 World Cup. These are the full lyrics of the chants sung by Argentine fans both inside stadiums and in the streets.

What are the lyrics of the Argentina fans’ songs?

Once again, Argentine fans have managed to create a hit that transcends borders. Nostalgia, admiration for their idols, and a historical claim are all part of what people chant on every corner until they lose their voices.

“Soy hincha de la Selección
La aliento con el corazón,
Ganamos la tercera con Lionel,
Queremos ser campeones otra vez.
Y 32 años después, La Scaloneta va a vengar
La Copa que le robaron al diez,
La que no nos dejaron levantar.
Quiero ver la cuarta estrella,
Brillar en la camiseta.
Soy argentino de la cuna hasta el cajón.
Por Malvinas, por el Diego, por la última de Leo,
Argentina quiero verte bicampeón.”

Lyrics translated:

“I am a supporter of the national team
I cheer it on with all my heart.
We won the third title with Lionel,
and we want to be champions once again.
And 32 years later, La Scaloneta will avenge
the trophy that was taken from the No. 10,
the one we were not allowed to lift.
I want to see the fourth star shining on the jersey.
I am Argentine from cradle to grave,
for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter.
Argentina, I want to see you become back-to-back champions.”

The successor to the Qatar hit

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be remembered by Argentinians for many reasons. Not only because the national team won its third world title, but also because of the iconic song “Muchachos…”, which became a true anthem for Argentina throughout the tournament and continued to echo long after the competition had ended and Argentina won their third World Cup.

“En Argentina nací
tierra de Diego y Lionel
de los pibes de Malvinas que jamás olvidaré.
No te lo puedo explicar
porque no vas a entender
las finales que perdimos, cuántos años las lloré.
Pero eso se terminó
porque en el Maracaná
la final con los brazucas la volvió a ganar papá…
Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar
quiero ganar la tercera, quiero ser campeón mundial
y al Diego, en el cielo lo podemos ver
con don Diego y con la Tota, alentándolo a Lionel.”

Lyrics translated:

“In Argentina I was born
land of Diego and Lionel
of the boys who went to Malvinas, who I will never forget
I can’t explain this to you
because you won’t understand
how many years I’ve cried over the finals that we lost.
But it’s all over now, because at the Maracana
in the final with Brazil, Papá (dad) won once again
Boys, now we’re dreaming again
I want to win it for the third time, I want to be world champion
and Diego, we can see him up in heaven
with Don Diego (his dad) and La Tota (his mom), cheering on Lionel.”

More Argentina fans’ chants

The creativity of Argentina’s fans when it comes to creating soccer chants is considered one of the most distinctive in the world. Another of the popular songs heard in stadiums once again pays tribute to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

“Vamos Argentina, sabes que yo te quiero
Hoy hay que ganaaar, y ser Primero
Esta hinchada loca deja todo por la Copa,
La que tiene a Meeeessi y Maradona.
Pongan huevo, vaya al frente la Argentina
Pongan huevo, vaya al frente jugadores…
Nos vinimos todos juntos para USA,
Nos vinimos todos juntos a ser campeones…”

Lyrics translated:

“Come on Argentina, you know that I love you
Today we have to win, and be number one
This crazy crowd gives everything for the Cup,
The one that has Messi and Maradona.
Put in the effort, Argentina, move forward
Put in the effort, players, keep pushing…
We all came together to the USA,
We all came together to become champions…”

The song that fuels Argentina’s players

When a team needs an extra burst of energy to push for a goal, the support of its fans can be a key factor. Argentina, true to their tradition, have the perfect chant for those moments:

“Vamos vamos Seleccioooon
hoy te vinimo’ a la alentaaaar
Para ser campeoooon
Hoy hay que ganaaaar.”

Lyrics translated:

“Come on, come on, national team
Today we came to support you
To become champions
Today we have to win.”

Coach Lionel Scaloni once again opted for Lautaro Martinez as the starting center forward, who will be supported in attack by Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada. Alvarez, still yet to fully show his highest level, will be an option from the bench for tactical reasons.

In what is expected to be hot weather and in front of a large crowd at Miami Stadium, Argentina will field this starting lineup as they look to take another step toward back-to-back World Cup titles.

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi (C), Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez.

Alvarez’s impact on Argentina’s attack

Julian Alvarez continues to be an invaluable asset to Argentina’s offensive system, providing a unique blend of relentless defensive pressing, intelligent off-the-ball movement, and clinical execution.

Over his international career, the Atletico Madrid forward has accumulated 14 goals in 54 appearances for the national team, establishing himself as a reliable cornerstone of Lionel Scaloni’s setup as they push deep into the tournament.

Wide FIFA Ranking gap between Argentina and Cape Verde

The staggering separation of 62 places between Argentina and Cape Verde frames their upcoming World Cup knockout clash as a pure David vs. Goliath script. While Argentina hold the prestigious No. 2 spot in the FIFA World Ranking with an elite baseline coefficient of 1,907.40 points, their West African challengers enter the matchup occupying the 64th position globally with 1,402.97 points.

This massive gap underscores the contrast between a historical global powerhouse and a resilient tournament underdog that is already orchestrating a historic fairy tale.

France’s recent victory over Sweden moved Les Bleus into sole leadership of the FIFA rankings, pushing Argentina into second place, albeit with a game in hand. La Albiceleste currently hold 1,907.40 points, a total that could increase if they secure qualification.

Cape Verde’s position in the rankings is significantly lower. The Blue Sharks sit 64th, and any result other than a defeat would likely go down in the country’s soccer history.

Argentina’s unbeaten run

Argentina enjoyed a flawless and undefeated group stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing the top spot in Group J with three consecutive victories. The Albiceleste kicked off their tournament with a commanding 3–0 win over Algeria, followed by a solid 2–0 victory against Austria.

They wrapped up the opening stage by comfortably defeating Jordan 3–1, showcasing a dominant form as they head into the knockout rounds.

What awaits Argentina in a potential Round of 16?

Argentina are the clear favorite against Cape Verde, but they will need to back that up on the pitch. If they secure qualification, they will face Egypt (who defeated Australia) next Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium.

With a total of 1,402.97 points and having climbed three places after qualifying for the Round of 32, the Blue Sharks sit 64th in the rankings. Meanwhile, Argentina are currently ranked second by FIFA, temporarily displaced from the top spot by France.

Ranking differences are often set aside once the ball starts rolling, and today Miami will be the stage for Argentina vs. Cape Verde. Can the African side pull off an upset and secure a place in the Round of 16?

Cape Verde aim to make history

Cape Verde are experiencing a dream moment in their soccer history. The team, led by coach Pedro Leitao Brito, also known as Bubista, is not only making its first-ever World Cup appearance but has also managed to advance beyond the group stage without being defeated.

After draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, the Blue Sharks advanced as runners-up in Group H and now aim to pull off a major upset by eliminating the reigning world champions. This is already the furthest Cape Verde have gone at a World Cup.

Cape Verde’s potential Round of 16 scenario

It will be difficult—no one denies that. But Cape Verde’s dream of continuing their World Cup journey, and extend their tournament run even further, remains intact. If they manage to get past Argentina, the African side would face Egypt (who defeated Australia) next Tuesday, July 7, in Atlanta.

Around 65,000 fans are expected to attend Argentina vs. Cape Verde at Miami Stadium, where the reigning world champions will look to continue their winning run. The Blue Sharks, meanwhile, will be aiming to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup so far.

The weather could prove to be a decisive factor, with intense heat and high humidity expected. Ninety minutes—perhaps even more—stand between Argentina and the African side and a place in the Round of 16. Which of these two teams will ultimately book this spot?

Argentina and Cape Verde’s kits

Canadian referee Drew Fischer will be the man in charge of this Round of 32 clash. Both Argentina and Cape Verde will be easily distinguishable on the pitch in Miami, with each side wearing its traditional home kit.

La Albiceleste will live up to their nickname by wearing their iconic sky blue and white striped shirt, along with white shorts and white socks. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will be dressed entirely in light green. The team will have a notable absentee in Julian Alvarez, who isn’t starting today.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, will opt for darker colors. The outfield players will be dressed entirely in navy blue, while the 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha will wear a full yellow kit. To ensure they stand out from both teams, the match officials will wear red.

What comes after the Round of 32?

The winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde will secure a place in the Round of 16. There, they will face Egypt (who defeated Australia) on Tuesday, July 7 at 12:00 noon ET at Atlanta Stadium.

The future of Lamine Yamal and his teammates in this competition will depend on whether they win, draw, or lose against a tough opponent like Austria. For Das Team, which sit somewhat lower in the FIFA rankings than their opponent, it will be about pulling off a major upset in this tournament.

With Nico Williams on the bench, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will have to look for attacking alternatives to make up for this absence. On the other side, Marcel Sabitzer will be looking to take his team to the spotlight at the World Cup after several years.

Spain and Austria’s kits for the match

Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg will officiate Spain vs. Austria, teams that will be clearly distinguished by the kits they will wear on the pitch.

The Spanish side will wear its classic red jersey with yellow accents and navy blue sleeves, navy blue shorts and socks. Its goalkeeper, Unai Simon, will be dressed in light blue and yellow kit.

Austria, on the other hand, will play this match wearing an all-white kit. Shirt, shorts, and socks will all be in their away colors. Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, to stand out, will be dressed entirely in yellow.

What awaits Spain or Austria?

The knockout stage is a situation where the winner advances and the loser goes home. Spain and Austria already know this, so they will have to give 100% in order to take another step toward that objective.

Whoever comes out victorious and reaches the Round of 16 already knows that their next opponent will come from the clash between Portugal and Croatia. That match is scheduled to be played on July 6 at Dallas Stadium.

The good news for the Red Devils is that they will not have to travel for their next match. The game will also be played in Seattle and is scheduled for July 6 at 8 p.m. ET.

Belgium’s path beyond the Round of 16 becomes even more intriguing. If they reach that stage, they could face Spain, Portugal, Austria, or Croatia in the quarterfinals.

Lukaku leads the way for Belgium

The fact that Senegal’s FIFA ranking is notably lower than Belgium’s did not show on the pitch. The African side imposed its style of play, took control from the start, and had qualification in its hands. Habib Diarra, midway through the first half, latched onto a rebound inside the box and finished one-on-one past Thibaut Courtois.

In the second half, with the Red Devils fully committed to attack, Ismaila Sarr fired past the goalkeeper to seal a 2-0 lead for his team. However, the introduction of Romelu Lukaku after the break gave Belgium a boost: he pulled one back, before Youri Tielemans sealed the equalizer in a dramatic finish.

To add even more drama, in one of the final plays of the match, Tielemans was brought down inside the box. Penalty for Belgium, goal by Youri Tielemans, and qualification for the Europeans, and elimination for Senegal.

Belgium’s potential path to the final

The road is still very long. This second phase of the World Cup is just beginning; however, no one can take away Belgium’s hope of going as far as possible.

If Rudi Garcia’s team reaches the semifinals, it could face the following opponents: Paraguay, France, Canada, or Morocco. The list extends for a potential final: Brazil, Norway, Mexico, Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana.

O Rei, considered by many to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, scored 12 goals for Brazil. With his two goals today against the Leopards, Kane reached 13, and that tally could continue to grow.

England will now face Mexico in the Round of 16, with the match set to be played at the legendary Estadio Azteca on July 5. There, the Three Lions‘ path to the final could begin to take shape.

Following the conclusion of this match, the scoring chart at the 2026 World Cup is led by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, both with six goals. Right behind them are Harry Kane and Erling Haaland with five, while Ousmane Dembele and Vinícius Jr. have each found the net four times.

Harry Kane’s goals at the World Cup

Harry Kane is playing in his third World Cup for England and, so far, has reached the remarkable total of 13 goals. These are each of the goals the center forward has managed to score:

Pele’s goals

The legendary Pele remains one of the most efficient goalscorers in World Cup history, netting 12 goals across four tournaments (1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970) and winning three titles. His World Cup account opened in 1958 with a historic six-goal explosion in Sweden, featuring a winner against Wales, a hat-trick against France in the semifinals, and a brilliant brace against the hosts in the final to lift his first trophy at just 17 years old.

He added one more goal in 1962 against Mexico before an injury sidelined him, and scored another solitary goal in 1966 against Bulgaria during a rough tournament for Brazil. Pele then capped off his majestic international career at Mexico 1970 with four final goals—striking against Czechoslovakia, Romania (2), and opening the scoring with an iconic header against Italy in the final.

The difficulty of this stage is not only due to the strong form of their opponents, but also because it will be played in hostile territory. The match will take place at Estadio Azteca next Sunday, July 5.

A passionate and vocal crowd, the challenges of playing at altitude, and hot, humid conditions all await England. Can the Three Lions continue their World Cup run and overcome another major test?

England’s potential path to the final

England had to work much harder than expected, but they managed to overcome DR Congo in the Round of 32 with Harry Kane scoring a brace. Even tougher challenges now await, provided they can get past Mexico in the Round of 16.

Brazil or Norway would await England in the quarterfinals. Should they advance to the semifinals, they could face Argentina or Cape Verde, Australia or Egypt, Colombia or Ghana, or Switzerland or Algeria.

In a dream scenario, potential opponents in the final could include Paraguay, France, Canada, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Austria, the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, or Senegal.

England’s only World Cup title

England’s sole World Cup glory came in 1966, when they hosted the tournament and defeated West Germany 4–2 in an iconic and dramatic final at Wembley Stadium. The match is immortalized by Geoff Hurst, who scored a historic hat-trick—including the famous, highly debated “ghost goal” that struck the crossbar and bounced near the goal line.

Captained by the flawless Bobby Moore and inspired by the brilliance of Bobby Charlton, the Three Lions lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on home soil, marking the absolute pinnacle of English soccer history.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, sit in 10th place in the rankings, rounding out the prestigious top 10. Led by Kevin De Bruyne and with Romelu Lukaku on the bench, the team aims to move beyond potential and establish itself as a genuine contender. The winner of Belgium vs. Senegal will advance to the Round of 16.

The African side’s standout figure is Sadio Mane, who will look to lead his nation as far as possible in the World Cup. Can Senegal pull off an upset without star goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the lineup today?

FIFA Ranking points for Senegal and Belgium

Senegal reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, finishing behind France and Norway in Group I. Their group-stage results saw them drop three places in the rankings, where they currently hold 1,653.43 points.

Belgium, meanwhile, are also a step lower than they were previously. Despite winning Group G, Rudi Garcia’s side has dropped to 10th place in the rankings with a total of 1,735.41 points. Mexico and Portugal are ahead of Belgium in the FIFA ranking.

What awaits Senegal or Belgium in the Round of 16?

Honduran referee Said Martinez has been appointed to officiate the match between Senegal and Belgium, with one more team set to advance to the Round of 16. On the other side of the bracket, the winner of USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina awaits.

This match, which offers a place in the quarterfinals, will be played at Seattle Stadium. It is scheduled for Monday, July 6.

The Arsenal forward started in the previous match against Panama, but this time his place will be taken by Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke. As a result, these are the eleven players set to take the field for the Three Lions to begin the match:

Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, Nico OReilly, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence (who’s playing with a protective mask); Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Harry Kane (C), Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke.

DR Congo, meanwhile, have opted for a more balanced setup with the presence of their Premier League players: Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba (C), Arthur Masuaku; Ngalayel Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki; Brian Cipenga, Yoane Wissa.

Bukayo Saka’s influence on England

Since making his senior debut in 2020, Bukayo Saka has established himself as an essential component of the England national team. The Arsenal winger has earned 52 caps and scored 14 goals for the Three Lions, helping his country reach the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

He remains a key figure in England‘s attacking unit during their ongoing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he already recorded a vital assist in the group stage victory over Panama.

England aim to reach the Round of 16

England’s future will depend on whether they win, tie, or lose against the Leopards in Atlanta. If they advance, they will face Mexico in the Round of 16 next weekend.

That match, set to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca, is scheduled for July 5. It will determine one of the teams advancing to the highly anticipated quarterfinals.